In the early days of home computing, it was conceivable and even physically possible to create software all by yourself, with no additional help. Of course as time progressed, computer capabilities increased rapidly and the once lone programmer had to become part of an ever growing team to cope with the resulting complexity and detail required.

The need for programmers, graphic designers, music composers, language translators and other roles have led to the once nostalgic days of individuals sitting in their garage or basement creating software alone unfortunately a thing of the past. That is until recently…

A resurgence in people keen to make money from their own created software projects now takes its form within app development. Again the relative simplicity and vast array of possibilities offer an attractive proposition for those capable of taking advantage, however that really is the question you need to ask yourself.

Are you capable of the challenges that lay ahead yourself or will you need additional help?

The Importance of an Idea

We all have skills to offer, however even if you have no experience at all in software or app creation – the idea alone is enough to begin a project if you truly believe in it. The originality of an idea and having an insight that others may not share is crucial to success and will give you a distinct advantage in the vast app marketplace.

Do not be disheartened if your experience in coding or graphic design is limited or even non-existent. The power of a ‘good idea’ should not be underestimated and even the most critically acclaimed developers are always on the hunt for the next ‘big thing’, whether it emanates from their own staff or from outside their office walls.

Taking your Idea Forward

Test out your ideas with family and friends you trust and gain insights in how you can improve your concept as these will no doubt include questions that will be asked when you are asking for help elsewhere.

You are the visionary, the guiding force behind the entire project and you will need to follow through your idea every step of the way, checking and double checking its progress and ensuring that the thoughts and images that exist in your mind are fully realised. The idea needs to be expressed in the simplest terms possible with a clear set of instructions to attract additional assistance and in the future – recognition and sales.

Find an established development company or group of people who share your excitement, interest and goals and never be afraid of asking for help or advice. Target individuals or companies that you believe closely match your app audience and carefully research any close alternatives that exist and how you can go further.

App Creation Series

There are literally hundreds of thousands of applications and games available to download using the digital marketplace. These range from basic clocks to fully fledged 3D gaming experiences rivalling even the leading portable devices that usually only specialise in this field.

Your challenge is competing with this vast library of already impressive offerings which, although a daunting prospect to the fledgling traveller, can be navigated successfully with the right ideas and implementation. Whether you want to create an income generator or simply desire recognition for your efforts, this book will aim to show you the path and inspire your imagination to overflow with possibilities.

Allow James Woodcock to guide you through the wilderness and raise your chances of realising your development dreams by detailing different routes with this light hearted tour of the Apps terrain. Featuring a myriad of exciting and surprising examples, you can glean important suggestions for your own creation.

Illustrations by Steve Ince Starting out as an artist at Revolution Software, he moved over to production before settling as a writer-designer. With various titles like the Broken Sword series behind him, Steve turned to Freelance in 2004 and in 2008 earned a Writers’ Guild Award nomination for So Blonde.

James Woodcock

Freelance Journalist, Author, Blogger & Podcaster specialising in gaming and technology. Ever since he experienced the first controllable pixel movement on the television screen, he has been entranced by the possibilities and rewarding entertainment value generated from these metal and plastic boxes of delight. Writing hundreds of articles including commentary and reviews on various gaming platforms, while also interviewing well known industry figures for popular online publications.